Dave Cahill wrote:So, in light of what appears to be the start of a hard brexit, should the IRFU sell the Kingspan Stadium for whatever it can get and move Ulster Rugby to Ireland.

And I'm actually not joking.

Hmmm, given she was expecting resignations (leaving taxi cards out at Chequers), I wouldn't be so sure.

Given that a leadership battle would most likely end up in an election, and an anti-Semitic socialist party coming to power I'm pretty sure most Tories will row in behind the UK government and their plans for Brexit.. after they've had a bit of a strop.

24 year old outhalf with over 100 club caps. Not bad. I suppose the international thing isn't too unrealistic. 3rd spot is wide open and he's owed so getting into camp is a formality (assuming Tyler doesnt hit form).

Burns was a regular starter for Gloucester, he wasn't just knocking around making up the numbers - 22 starts at No10 last season, 26 the season before. Cipriani's arrival didn't just put his place under threat, it demoted him. I don't think that there was any way that he was going to get a fair shot at the jersey with a big name like that coming in.

I'd consider Ulster to be a sideways move for him at the moment [Gloucester finished seventh in the Premiership last season], but with the added positive of playing in the top tier of European competition. It's good to get another Irish-qualified outhalf into the mix as well, even if he's down the depth chart on the national list. Well done to Cunningham.

Ups the ante on Carbery in MunsterIf Carbery ends up in a Goperth/Madigan situation at Munster he's bollixtBurns has a fairly clear run at Ulster with Cooney who played so well behind a sh!t pack last year

johng wrote:Ups the ante on Carbery in MunsterIf Carbery ends up in a Goperth/Madigan situation at Munster he's bollixtBurns has a fairly clear run at Ulster with Cooney who played so well behind a sh!t pack last year

Versatility might get him in anyway depending on the fullback situation, just as 3rd outhalf.

johng wrote:Ups the ante on Carbery in MunsterIf Carbery ends up in a Goperth/Madigan situation at Munster he's bollixtBurns has a fairly clear run at Ulster with Cooney who played so well behind a sh!t pack last year

Don't think any of the other Munster OHs are as good as Gopperth tbh.But Munster being Munster, Joey needs to look up the local dictionary for the meaning of the words pashun and/or pashunista.Otherwise that bit referring to bollixt could prove prophetic. Never mind the quality feel the pashun.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall who's the greatest player of them all? It is Drico your majesty.

johng wrote:Ups the ante on Carbery in MunsterIf Carbery ends up in a Goperth/Madigan situation at Munster he's bollixtBurns has a fairly clear run at Ulster with Cooney who played so well behind a sh!t pack last year

Don't think any of the other Munster OHs are as good as Gopperth tbh.But Munster being Munster, Joey needs to look up the local dictionary for the meaning of the words pashun and/or pashunista.Otherwise that bit referring to bollixt could prove prophetic. Never mind the quality feel the pashun.

Rex_Banner wrote:Saw reports online saying Ulster are close to signing Henry Speight on a short term deal similar to Lealifiano last year. Would be a good signing IMO

That would be a good signing. Overall they've signed well. I havn't seen Billy Burns much but he must be decent. Addison is a quality player and might push for Ireland squad inclusion. Jordi is in flying form. The only doubt I would have is about Marty Moore. The talent is there but can they bring the best our of him?

They're also starting to produce academy players which should help bolster the squad. I don't see them going for the title next season but they'll be tough to beat and have a young squad to build on.

Ulster have been linked with Brumbies winger Henry Speight, whom they are reportedly keen to lure to the region on a short-term deal until January.

Ulster did the same thing with Brumbies fly-half Christian Lealiifano last season, who departed in January after a six-month stint at the club. And now the Canberra outfit are reportedly considering allowing Speight to do the same, according to Australia’s Daily Telegraph.

The 30-year-old has recently fallen out of favour at international level, being overlooked for the recent June series against Ireland, with Dane Haylett-Petty and Marika Koroibete the preferred combination.

Ulster confirmed the acquisition of Irish-qualified fly-half Billy Burns earlier in the week as interim head coach Simon Easterby looks to strengthen the squad ahead of new head coach Dan McFarland’s arrival.

Have been offline here for a while but on a scan through the current stuff.1. McFarland was an IRFU appointment in conjunction with Ulster, interviews were with Nuci in Dublin.

2. Nuci was the one who sacked both our strength and fitness guy and physio, they copped the blame for knee and other leg problems, both called to a meeting in Dublin and both dumped on the spot.

3. We now have our assistant strength and fitness guy Kevin Geary as interim head until some league fitness guy appears end of October, Geary was overlooked at the interview stage for the full time job yet he is in charge for the first 4 months of the season which can be deemed the most important phase in building for this season's campaign.

4. Burns is decent looking player who aims to push for the backup to Sexton.

5. We have just advertised a CEO job through an external employment agency, no idea who make a the final choice but hope they do their due diligence a heck of a lot better than the last one we had.

6. It's getting warm again and it's Saturday afternoon so I think time to mow the lawn then sit back and have a few beers before the season starts.